OPS bans Palace reporter

MANILA, Philippines — The Malacañang Press Corps (MPC) yesterday expressed concern over the recent decision of the Office of the Press Secretary (OPS) to ban Hataw reporter Rose Novenario from covering President Marcos’ activities.

“We call on the OPS to clearly state Novenario’s alleged violations as well as the circumstances that led to the denial of her accreditation. We need clear cut rules on what is deemed as an unacceptable behavior,” the MPC said in a statement.

“This will ensure that future decisions related to access to the Palace and the President will be reasonable and not arbitrary,” the press corps said.

In a letter to Hataw managing editor Gloria Galuno dated Aug. 9, Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles said her office’s decision to deny Novenario’s accreditation was due to “conduct unbecoming” supposedly exhibited by Novenario.

“Her negative actions and attitude toward the OPS officials may influence others. Her name calling of several officials is a blatant show of disrespect to authorities,” Cruz-Angeles said.

She cited the “screenshots” of Novenario’s messages to the MPC as proof of her violations. Cruz-Angeles did not elaborate.

The press secretary said Hataw may resubmit its application for another reporter to cover Malacañang.

The MPC, however, said Novenario remains a member of the group despite the ban.

“We will continue to exhaust measures to address the issue, taking into account the need to balance the role of journalists to report independently and to ensure proper decorum in the performance of such a duty,” the press corps said.